Family wagon is a cool classy ride

By Bob McHugh, The Province

Originally published: May 30, 2012

SMALL

MEDIUM

LARGE

Ford calls its Flex a “crossover” vehicle, however, my son’s “cool looking, modern version of a ’60s power wagon” might be a better description. A whole new front end certainly gives the 2013 edition of the Flex a chic contemporary appearance, and Ford has packed it with even more mind-boggling technology.

The Flex is a different kind of family-size multiple seat vehicle. Yes, it has a roomy space-efficient cab-in that provides generous seating room for up to seven people and it can quickly transform into a cavernous cargo hauler without having to remove any seats. Yet, it also has the looks and performance of a cool, classy ride.

Made in Canada, the front-drive Flex comes in SE, SEL and Limited editions with prices starting at $30,999. The all-wheel drive versions are available in SEL and Limited trims, with a start price of $39,099. An optional EcoBoost V6 engine is also (and only) available on the Limited trim version.

The upgraded base 3.5-litre V6 engine now has twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which allows it to deliver an extra 25 horsepower and even better fuel economy. It’s also closer in performance to the optional twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, which is unchanged. Fuel economy is slightly better with the EcoBoost engine, however, it prefers premium fuel and, as already mentioned, it’s only available in the top trim level.

For 2013, the Flex also comes with improved chassis dynamics and noise reduction measures. The front shock towers are now wrapped with sound absorbers and there’s upgraded body sound deadening used under dash, under hood and around the rear wheels. It also has revised spring and damper rates and a hard-mounted steering rack now provides a quicker steering ratio.

In addition to the latest MyFord Touch system, Flex can also come with driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support. There’s also Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), as well as Intelligent Access with push-button start, remote start technology, rain-sensing wipers, a power tilt and telescopic steering column and power-fold mirrors. Heck, the Flex can even park itself, with the self-guiding Park Assist option.

Upgrades to MyFord Touch make the screen easier to use and faster to navigate. Text is larger and the touch areas on the screen look and function more like buttons. There’s also a new Appearance Package avail-able with Limited and SEL trims. It includes a two-tone black roof, black mirrors, 20-inch aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats and unique door trim panels.

THE LOOKS

The large Ford oval badge is a notable absentee on a more rounded front and F-L-E-X in large lettering is on the lead edge of the hood. The three-bar grille has also been reduced to one with a black surround and the lower front fascia has a restyled air intake. Although largely cosmetic, the exterior changes give Flex a very different look that’s bolder and far more distinctive. My test Flex was a Limited trim with the optional xenon headlights, which gave it an even more striking appearance.

THE INSIDE

Extra large doors present a wide opening for passengers to enter or exit Flex and most passengers will also find the seats are at an easy slide-in height.

The second-row seats offer generous leg and head room and the third row seat is also an adult usable position with access past a second row seat that folds and flips out of the way. Storage is also impressive. Even with all seven seats upright, Flex has 566 litres (20 cubic feet) of cargo space in back. That jumps to 1224 litres (43.2 cu. ft) with the third row down and a whopping 2355 litres (83.2 cu. ft) if you then lay the second row flat. Start the car, Ikea here we come!

SAFETY

The Flex now comes with new active safety features that intervenes to prevent a loss of traction in cornering situations. It’s called Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control technology. As the car accelerates through a corner, Torque Vectoring Control detects when the front inside wheel is starting to slip and applies a slight amount of braking to the wheel. This prevents wheel spin and has the effect of transferring engine torque to the outside wheel (with more grip), which helps maintain traction and steering control. Curve Control senses when the vehicle is entering a curve too quickly. It can apply fourwheel “smart” braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 16 kilometres per hour, which helps the driver follow an intended path. Another new safety feature is rear inflatable seat belts. This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers. Children and older passengers are more vulnerable to these types of collision injuries.

THE DRIVE

Having 365 horsepower and 350 lbs.-ft of torque available anytime your brain gives the signal to your right foot is very comforting and satisfying. The EcoBoost V6 engine offers V8-like performance without the fuel consumption penalty. An ally in the Flex’s fuel conservation fight is a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, which is geared for good highway fuel economy. On the other hand, it also provides both Sport and manual operation modes. In my top-line test Flex came with paddle-shifters at the steering wheel, which was an unexpected treat. Moving the shift lever to the S (Sport) mode triggers a transformation to “bad” Flex. There’s an instant change to a more aggressive transmission shift pattern, it tightens the steering and chassis and a tachometer appears on the instrument panel. You can also use the manual shift paddles in the normal D (drive) mode, which is really handy if you want to make a quick change in speed to get past something or merge with traffic. On the road, the Flex transmits a solid and secure feeling through its taut body structure and wide track. While Ford has firmed the suspension, it’s still a comfort oriented ride that’s composed and quiet. It’s a more car-like driving experience than you’ll get in most of its seven-seat competitors. There’s a customary strut-type suspension up front, but a unique independent coil-spring setup in the rear. This accounts for its very good ride qualities, particularly on the highway, and even for those in the very back rear seats.

THE SCORE

A cool new look is combined with improved power, performance, safety and driving dynamics, the 2013 Ford Flex breaks the laws of design convention and offers a bolder different take on the multiseat family wagon.